Hi Linzi - it looks like you possibly have the 'bog standard' one which will grow anywhere (although there are a few pale, lilac varieties) and as GD has said, they can be hard pruned, which you do in late winter or early spring. To be honest, you can prune them or tidy them up at any time through the season, which can help give a succession of flowers.
It's a good idea to take them back by a third in autumn if you have a windy site, as they can suffer from wind rock over the winter months, which can dislodge or uproot them a bit. It also helps prevent wind damage to branches, although that can happen at any time of year. Mine have had several broken branches recently, but as long as branches are tidied up, it isn't usually a problem.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
That looks photoshopped , look at each different colour and some look very alike , the mauve one looks like it has one eye on the side , they wouldn't be identical surely . I much prefer a single colour.
Yes, I agree with Dilly - the plant has been photoshopped, but it does look interesting. I must say that I would like a red buddleia, although it would probably be known with a different name. I am enjoying my white version of buddleia and also the orange globosa, but I am not keen on the colour purple or variations of purple, which many flowers are in the garden.
This one was given to me as a Harlequin. That photoshopped picture is what the advert for "Harlequin" alleged would produce. My friend bought it and gave me one of the plugs. What I think the con is, (I'm not sure but going on instinct) is that they sell you a plug each of three colours so if you were to plant them all in the same pot you'd get the effect in the picture.
I got the dark purple from my friend's purchase. I'm guessing she got the Royal Red and white plugs.
Currently in my garden I have young versions (given to me as cuttings) of Globosa (it's in bud just now so may be the cross mentioned earlier in the discussion - hope it is), a white (in bud), Black Knight (flowering), Buddleia Buzz lilac (flowering).
I like Buddleia and will always find a place for them. Quite fancy another Royal Red now I think about it!
Thank you all, it's been great seeing all your comments and pictures. The Miss Ruby sounds nice, might look into this.
I did however read an article regarding budleja's, saying that although they are great for bees and butterflies, apart from them growing rapidly & can take over a garden (obviously this can be prevented) What is also needed in a garden is plants that butterflies can lay their eggs & the caterpillar can munch on. I have got a bit of a wild patch in my garden so I am going to look into this & plant such a plant. Any ideas would be appreciated as although I'd like to keep the caterpillars happy I don't want the rest of my plants to suffer.
Aren't the warnings about the type that grow in railway walls and along coastal rock sea defences? Given away by their lilac flowers and incredible growth in a year.
I have a patch of nettles that I leave because I believe them to be good for butterflies. If anyone thinks that this is incorrect please tell me and I'll have an excuse to "tidy up".
I'm trying not to be too tidy but I struggle a bit. I've got my grass long at the moment and the clover is absolutely buzzing with bees. There are beehives in our village and they sell the honey so I think I'll buy some and console myself that my scruffy lawn is tasty!
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Hi Linzi - it looks like you possibly have the 'bog standard' one which will grow anywhere (although there are a few pale, lilac varieties) and as GD has said, they can be hard pruned, which you do in late winter or early spring. To be honest, you can prune them or tidy them up at any time through the season, which can help give a succession of flowers.
It's a good idea to take them back by a third in autumn if you have a windy site, as they can suffer from wind rock over the winter months, which can dislodge or uproot them a bit. It also helps prevent wind damage to branches, although that can happen at any time of year. Mine have had several broken branches recently, but as long as branches are tidied up, it isn't usually a problem.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Is this a real buddleia or photoshopped?
That looks photoshopped , look at each different colour and some look very alike , the mauve one looks like it has one eye on the side , they wouldn't be identical surely . I much prefer a single colour.
Yes, I agree with Dilly - the plant has been photoshopped, but it does look interesting. I must say that I would like a red buddleia, although it would probably be known with a different name. I am enjoying my white version of buddleia and also the orange globosa, but I am not keen on the colour purple or variations of purple, which many flowers are in the garden.
I got the dark purple from my friend's purchase. I'm guessing she got the Royal Red and white plugs.
Currently in my garden I have young versions (given to me as cuttings) of Globosa (it's in bud just now so may be the cross mentioned earlier in the discussion - hope it is), a white (in bud), Black Knight (flowering), Buddleia Buzz lilac (flowering).
I like Buddleia and will always find a place for them. Quite fancy another Royal Red now I think about it!
If you fancy a red buddleja look out for Miss Ruby a great colour and doesn't grow as big as some types.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Thank you all, it's been great seeing all your comments and pictures. The Miss Ruby sounds nice, might look into this.
I did however read an article regarding budleja's, saying that although they are great for bees and butterflies, apart from them growing rapidly & can take over a garden (obviously this can be prevented) What is also needed in a garden is plants that butterflies can lay their eggs & the caterpillar can munch on. I have got a bit of a wild patch in my garden so I am going to look into this & plant such a plant. Any ideas would be appreciated as although I'd like to keep the caterpillars happy I don't want the rest of my plants to suffer.
Aren't the warnings about the type that grow in railway walls and along coastal rock sea defences? Given away by their lilac flowers and incredible growth in a year.
I have a patch of nettles that I leave because I believe them to be good for butterflies. If anyone thinks that this is incorrect please tell me and I'll have an excuse to "tidy up".
I'm trying not to be too tidy but I struggle a bit. I've got my grass long at the moment and the clover is absolutely buzzing with bees. There are beehives in our village and they sell the honey so I think I'll buy some and console myself that my scruffy lawn is tasty!
Miss Ruby looks lovely.